Saving money keeps getting harder to do. It seems like every time you go to the grocery store the prices are higher. Some items have more than doubled. It seems each time you go to the gas station you pay more and more. Below are five ideas to help you spend less and keep more.
Stop Competing with the Jones'. You do not have to compete with anyone. Be proud of what you have and who you are. If you can only afford an inexpensive sofa from a thrift store, find a nice throw, make a few pillows, and be proud and thankful. Competitiveness is a part of nature and to a degree, healthy. However, when competition creates a buying war to see who can have the "best" when they have no business buying at all, then it becomes damaging. Stick to what you can afford regardless of what anyone else has or pressure you might be feeling.
Make your own gifts. If you ask people if they prefer a store bought or handmade gift, most people will say they prefer the latter. Handmade gifts are unique and from the heart. When you have a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, wedding, or Christmas gift to give, make the gift. For a baby shower you could purchase an inexpensive bib pattern and make special bibs, or for a wedding, you could create a wonderful album of photos showing the couple’s dating life. Other great options include making homemade hot chocolate, soaps, candles, or lotions and placing them in inexpensive glass containers of baskets purchased at a thrift shop. If you use a mason jar, add foam and fabric under the lid for added color, use a label to write the contents and a message of endearment. The options are endless.
You can try the dollar stores. Now days you can find the same name brand laundry soap, cleaning supplies, clothing, school supplies, everything for a fraction of the cost. Try your nearest dollar stores and see what you can find.
Unsecured Creditors. Make a list of all your unsecured debts along with creditor contact information and payoff amount so you can have an accurate record of how much you owe. Choose one creditor, possibly a credit card, and focus on paying off that bill. Once you have achieved that goal, choose another. Start with the debt that has the highest interest rate since it is the one costing you the most money.
Home Remedies: Before rushing off to see the doctor for a sore throat, try some home remedies or over the counter drugs instead. For a sore throat, butter mixed with ginger and sugar makes a soothing healing pate. A hot toddy before bed is great for a cold. Simply ask your family for their home remedies and try it. Sometimes a simple over the counter medication or herb will do the trick without costing you an expensive doctor’s office visit.
Make your own gifts. If you ask people if they prefer a store bought or handmade gift, most people will say they prefer the latter. Handmade gifts are unique and from the heart. When you have a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, wedding, or Christmas gift to give, make the gift. For a baby shower you could purchase an inexpensive bib pattern and make special bibs, or for a wedding, you could create a wonderful album of photos showing the couple’s dating life. Other great options include making homemade hot chocolate, soaps, candles, or lotions and placing them in inexpensive glass containers of baskets purchased at a thrift shop. If you use a mason jar, add foam and fabric under the lid for added color, use a label to write the contents and a message of endearment. The options are endless.
You can try the dollar stores. Now days you can find the same name brand laundry soap, cleaning supplies, clothing, school supplies, everything for a fraction of the cost. Try your nearest dollar stores and see what you can find.
Unsecured Creditors. Make a list of all your unsecured debts along with creditor contact information and payoff amount so you can have an accurate record of how much you owe. Choose one creditor, possibly a credit card, and focus on paying off that bill. Once you have achieved that goal, choose another. Start with the debt that has the highest interest rate since it is the one costing you the most money.
Home Remedies: Before rushing off to see the doctor for a sore throat, try some home remedies or over the counter drugs instead. For a sore throat, butter mixed with ginger and sugar makes a soothing healing pate. A hot toddy before bed is great for a cold. Simply ask your family for their home remedies and try it. Sometimes a simple over the counter medication or herb will do the trick without costing you an expensive doctor’s office visit.
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